The renovated Art Nouveau water tower in Braník will serve as a cultural center

Prague - The Art Nouveau Vršovická Waterworks in Braník has literally risen from the ruins; the neglected cultural monument underwent a complete reconstruction in the past months for 150 million crowns. With financial resources from European funds, the one hundred-year-old building of the engine room, coal storage, and other parts of the area, as well as the adjacent park, have been restored. A cultural and social center has been created in the historical spaces, which will open to the public in the summer.
      The state of the complex of the former water treatment plant and pumping station, which served until the 1970s, was, according to experts, critical before the reconstruction. There was a risk that the monument would be irreparably damaged. For instance, the roof of the engine room collapsed entirely, leaving only the outer walls.
      During the repairs, the original facades made of sharply fired red bricks, designed at the beginning of the last century by architect Jan Kotěra, as well as green glazed tiles, window sills, and cornices, were preserved. The decorative elements of the facades and gables were carefully cleaned and retouched both chemically and mechanically by restorers. The original historical crane track with the so-called "cat" has also found its place in the industrial area.
      The interiors of the buildings have also been given a new look. The former engine room will particularly appeal to parents with children. According to director Marie Růžičková, however, the classrooms will also serve the general public. "There will be a variety of clubs, courses, accreditation and educational seminars, art and ceramics workshops on offer. The spaces will also be used for one-off events, such as sports or children's days," the director described. All facilities are prepared, including playrooms, a café, a dining area, and a fully equipped outdoor playground.
      Although it is located in Braník on Vltavanů Street, the waterworks is named after Vršovice, which supplied it with drinking water. It was built according to Kotěra's design in 1907. In 2002, it was included among the cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. Prague obtained money for the renovation from European funds from the Competitiveness program.